No 1 Mk 3 question

[Slater]

The SMLE in the photo was acquired at a gun show some time ago. It's marked "G.R." with a manufacture date of 1911. It's also marked "FTR 1953". Somewhat curiously, it has a close-to-mint bore, and is in overall excellent condition. I didn't notice until someone mentioned it, but it has been fitted with a No 4 buttstock and cocking piece.

I've been told that this batch of FTR's was for commercial/export purposes. Was this indeed the case?

Information

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[Thunderbox]

BSA carried out a large No1 FTR programme in 1953.

The rifles were commonly rebuilt using new barrels, beech furniture, No4 butts/ striker/ cocking piece.

Usually very nice rifles.....

[Peter Laidler]

No4 butts and many other interchangeable parts or parts that could very quickly/simply be interchangeable, such as those listed by TBox plus BA threaded screws, butt plates - you can see the sort of stuff we mean - were all acceptable in the UK Military and sanctioned in our Engineering regulations, known as the Bible or just plain old EMER's

[MKV111Z]

The No1 Mk111* was still in service with the UK Army Cadet Force in 1961.

H

[Peter Laidler]

They were still in service well into the 70's if you read the thread about the L59 rifles. We used to see them regularly

[LesterH]

I have a 1918 Standard Small Arms built SMLE. Fitted with a BSA bolt and Breach. This has been rebuilt several times. One of the stampings is D.P. It has all the modifications as mentioned in #2 Thunderboxes post above. This rifle was deactivated in 2007 by Terry Abrams. Not sure if my rifle is ex Army Cadet Force. However it is well worn out and everything is sloppy fit.
Better it was saved by D/A than going to the scrap pile.
Standard Small Arms only produced approx 250,000 SMLE MKIII* in 1917 to 18.No mag cut off or volley sights. They used parts supplied from BSA and the various RSAF factories. One of the smaller assembly lines.

Kind regards, Lester